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Orthodontic braces have been around for more than a century and have continually evolved over that time. Today’s braces are more discreet than ever, producing excellent results without being overly obvious during the corrective phase. If you are in search of an aesthetically appealing way of straightening your teeth, Dr. Andrew Nalin and our team at Nalin Orthodontics provide multiple options to choose from, including lingual braces and clear aligners.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are progressive-phase braces designed for patients who need mild-to-moderate correction of crowded or crooked teeth. This system includes a series of custom-made trays that gradually shift the teeth into their targeted positions. Instead of frequently returning to our Mount Vernon, WA office to have braces tightened, you simply swap the trays out every few weeks. Clear aligners are virtually undetectable and can be removed while eating or brushing your teeth. When worn as prescribed, these metal-free trays can straighten your teeth in as little as six to 12 months.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are similar to traditional metal braces in that they are fixed to the teeth. However, lingual braces differ in that they are attached to back of the teeth rather than the front. This type of treatment is preferred over clear aligners among patients with moderate to severe orthodontic correction needs. Lingual braces are non-removable and must be adjusted periodically during scheduled orthodontic visits. However, lingual braces are capable of producing much more controlled force during treatment, which can yield highly successful results.

If you think you may be a candidate for braces, but aren’t sure whether lingual braces or clear aligners are right for you, Dr. Andrew Nalin and our team can help you decide. Schedule a consultation today to find out more about your orthodontic options and start on the path to the beautiful, healthy smile you’ve always dreamed of.

ClearCorrect treatment has become a very popular treatment for teens as well as adults in the past few years. There are many reasons why they are rated as one of the number-one options for realigning teeth, but some of the options may stand out more than others.

ClearCorrect is custom made with modern 3D technology to ensure the perfect fit. This means that each aligner that is provided to you by Dr. Andrew Nalin has been specifically made for you based on impressions and X-rays of your teeth. The aligners are conveniently replaced every few weeks to keep your teeth adjusting correctly.

Although traditional metal braces do the job they aren’t always comfortable. They have to be adjusted every month and can cause some soreness for several days after. The rubber bands and brackets can also be an aggravation while eating, not to mention the rubber bands have been known to come off and be swallowed while eating.

Visibility

ClearCorrect are clear, hence the name. They are literally unnoticeable and have a very smooth surface. Traditional braces are very obvious and usually metal colored. The option of having a clear or invisible form of treatment helps teens stay self-confident.

Convenience of Each Type of Treatment

Unlike traditional braces ClearCorrect is easily removable to be able to eat, drink as well as to brush and floss teeth. This helps greatly with oral hygiene.

Clear Correct also causes less soreness after changing to new aligners versus getting the traditional braces adjusted. There is also no mouth irritation due to not having wires or brackets to deal with.

Overall, ClearCorrect is more desired because of the many options as well as the convenience. Make an appointment at our Mount Vernon, WA office today to see if ClearCorrect will work for your individual orthodontic needs.

Most parents know that routine dental care should begin during their child’s toddler years. And many assume they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to visit Dr. Andrew Nalin for an initial orthodontic consultation.

The ideal age for an orthodontic evaluation is age seven. At that age, your child will have a mixture of adult and baby teeth for Dr. Andrew Nalin and our team at Nalin Orthodontics to make a determination about whether any problems are present. Typically the first molars have come in by the time your child turns seven, giving us an opportunity to check for malocclusion, also known as “bad bite.” Also, by the time your child reaches the age of seven, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites, and open bites can be detected.

When Dr. Andrew Nalin and our team perform an evaluation on your child at an early age, you get one of two positive outcomes. Although treatment usually will not begin until one to five years after the initial evaluation, it’s still helpful in determining whether your child has any problems with the jaw and teeth early when they are still easy to treat. Earlier treatment can also cost less to correct a potential problem than delayed treatment.

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and are detrimental to good oral hygiene.

If your child is approaching age seven, or has already surpassed his or her seventh birthday, it is time to schedule an appointment for an initial examination at Nalin Orthodontics.

"Motherhood: All love begins and ends there." - Robert Browning

We would like to take this moment to thank all the great moms out there for being so great during their child’s visits to Nalin Orthodontics. Whether it’s driving their kids to regularly scheduled appointments or for “being there” while their child is treatment, the moms who come to our office are all stellar individuals, so Dr. Andrew Nalin and our entire staff would like you to know that we appreciate you all!

Happy Mother’s Day and enjoy your special day!